Germany, Imperial. A Pair of Service Awards to a First World War Combatant, with Custom Case

(Auszeichnungen mit Etui). A pair of service awards to a Bavarian First World War combatant, including:

1. A 1914 Iron Cross II Class, constructed of iron and silver, on loop for suspension from its period correct replacement ribbon, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a blackened magnetic iron core within a ribbed silver frame, the obverse with a central initial “W”, the six o’clock arm with a reinstitution date of “1914”, the twelve o’clock arm with a royal crown, the reverse with three central oak leaves, the six o’clock arm with an initial institution date of “1813”, the twelve o’clock arm with initials “FW” topped by a royal crown, unmarked, measuring 43.28 mm (w) x 47.54 mm (h), weighing 16.2 grams, with minor oxidation evident to the core, in near extremely fine condition.

2. A Bavarian Order of Military Merit, III Class Cross with Swords, constructed of coppered bronze, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Maltese Cross with pebbled arms, the obverse bearing a central raised monogram of King Ludwig II, within a stylized belt and buckle bearing a raised inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”) with arabesques, the twelve o’clock arm riveted with a crossed sword clasp, the reverse bearing a central raised Bavarian lion rampant within a stylized belt and buckle bearing a raised institution date of “1866” with arabesques, unmarked, measuring 41.78 mm (w) x 50.42 mm (h), weighing 24.4 grams, in extremely fine condition.

3. Both concealed within a custom storage case, constructed of a light two-piece wooden frame, the exterior with a faux brown leather liner, the interior with a padded dark grey satin lid liner, featuring a maroon velvet medal bed with two depressions perfectly cut to accommodate the accompanying awards, unmarked, measuring 105 mm (w) x 60 mm (l) x 25 mm (h), the exterior liner demonstrates moderate material fatigue and the spring catch no longer functions properly, in very fine condition.